The civilisation introduced to colonised territories is used as a justification for the heinous deeds that allowed such forms of government to exist and prosper. As if the colonial missions were driven by charity, not an insatiable greed for wealth, territory, and to infect native populations with Western culture and language. Let’s face it, colonisation was all about profit. Infrastructural investments like railways, roads and schools were calculated risks that were not really about bringing civilisation to ‘the dark continent’ but to ensure maximal exploitation of Africa’s resources.

When we take a keener look at colonial Kenya, even worse is revealed.

During the years of colonisation, while many industrial settlers were struggling to develop commercial African agriculture, the richest, aristocratic settlers were giving in to their darkest, most primal desires. I’m talking about the infamous Happy Valley Set- a secret society of filthy rich Europeans in the African countryside who were bound together by nothing but drinks, drugs, and debauchery.

The Wanjohi Valley, in what is actually the Kinangop Plateau on the Eastern side of the Aberdares, was their stomping ground. Away from the wary eyes of government in Nairobi, here in the remote countryside, they could let their wildest desires reign. I’m talking about spouse swapping, orgies, cocaine, beating up their African servants for sport, etc. Their activities have inspired books and even movies, including White Mischief.

In this article, we will take a look at the founding and most famous members of this set, their lavish residences and their immoral activities. Obviously, this sort of lifestyle was unsustainable, so we will talk about the murder that blew the lid off this secret society once and for all.

But before we begin, picture yourself in the ballroom of a palatial, colonial residence dressed in your finest feathers, in aristocratic company, while holding a flute of crystal champagne delicately by the neck. Raise a toast to life and the breath in your lungs, then take a deep sip. You’ll need it for what you’re about to read.

Member Profiles

Idina Sackville and Josslyn Hay.

Introducing the King and Queen of Happy Valley. Even in your typical Kilimani house party, there are the individuals who birth the idea of hosting a rager, get the Airbnb and invite their friends over for the bender. In the Happy Valley Set, these two played that role, and they were uniquely suited for each other.

Idina Sackville was born to an aristocratic family and was nicknamed ‘The Bolter’ for walking out of her marriages whenever she wanted. She inspired a Taylor Swift song by the same name. She was already on husband number 2 when she first came to Kenya in 1919 to settle in a 3,000-acre farm. The deterioration of her marriage prompted her return to England in the following year. And that is where she met Josslyn Hay, the future 22nd Earl of Errol. The two were lovers, which is insane considering the stigma around infidelity at the time, not to mention the fact that Idina was 8 years older than Joss.

The conclusion of Idina’s divorce was a welcome relief as she was entitled to half of her ex-husband’s wealth, including his overseas possessions. It is here that she eloped to with Joss in 1924.

Joss eschewed his diplomatic responsibilities to live a life of decadence in the developing colony. This came as a great disappointment to his family, who refused to cater for his costs henceforth. Indeed, Josslyn depended almost entirely on his wife for his finances.

Within view of the Aberdares, they built a mansion and called it The Slains- a callback to the Hays’ royal seat, Slains Castle in Scotland. Unlike an aristocratic residence built to withstand sieges and decorated with military honors and a rich history, the Slains House was the headquarters of sin.

Slains

I need you to understand that this house was built specifically for debauchery. So let’s see what a typical night at Slains would look like. Invited guests, some of whom we’ll discuss in a bit, would begin streaming in in their cars with trunkloads of champagne and hard liquor. To begin the festivities, Idina Sackville would invite all her guests to her spacious bathing area.

The open, well-lit space had comfy seats all around the beautiful centrepiece- an onyx bathtub. The lady of the house, Idina, would gracefully disrobe and take her bath while her guests and husband looked on. She would then pat herself dry and dress up, still within their view and with that, the party would begin.

In one of the many lounging rooms, she would entertain her guests with a series of games that were meant to get the immorality going as soon as possible. Her favourite was the feather game. So basically, she would hold a feather in her hand and blow it towards her seated guests. Whoever the feather landed on would be her lay for the evening. Note, married or unmarried, younger or older, whether or not your spouse had accompanied you, did not really matter. By the time the morning reached, there would be someone else sleeping with your spouse, too.

There were no secrets amongst the members of this secret society and the architecture of Slains made sure of it. The house had no ceilings and boasted exceptionally thin walls. You could easily hear what was happening in the next room and even cheer them on. As the night went on, the quiet, cold Aberdare air was disrupted by a cacophony of moans of pleasure rising up to the high heavens.

Indeed, Idina would not be satisfied until all the members in her party had swapped partners, and another thing about her, if she wanted something, she would not be denied. They would have sex on the pool tables, in the bath, in the living lounges, the bedrooms, some members would be dared to do it in the verandah and would obviously be obliged. The Slains House, owned by the now married couple, Idina Sackville and Josslyn Hay, set the tone for Happy Valley decadence but by no means was it limited to this singular residence.

Lord Delamere(Hugh Cholmondeley)